Did the diagram just leap out at you and go bam! with the psychedelic colours? Perhaps we were just in a Scooby Doo sort of mood when selecting them.

Alrighty, so what is today's free music lesson about? Basically it's two alternative shapes for the B Major bar chord. In the chart below you see four chords. However, both the 1st chord and the 3rd one are the same F# chord. If you can't play that F# bar chord yet this whole lesson is going to be a challenge because it only gets harder.

Let's get into those two B shape bar chords. We've labelled them version one (v1) and version 2 (v2). The correct naming for v1 is a B Major G Shape bar chord, and v2 a B Major D shape bar chord. The D shape may not be a full bar chord but it's usually thrown in.

It would be easy enough for us to just put up those two B chords and say learn them. What you need is ideas on how to use them. How about playing through those four chords in order as shown in the diagram- F# / B(v1) / F# / B(v2) - giving each a single downstrum. Then try giving two downstrums for each chord. Despite the fact we're starting with the F# the key of that progression is most likely B Major due to the expressiveness of the B Major. in this context.

You could also try a single beat 1 stab on the F# and then fill out the remainder of a four count with the B chords. Give different rhythms a shot. Fingering is given in all the shapes above. Finger number 1 is the root note, so you can move those shapes around also and come up with new chords to include in your playing.

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Rockbadger holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts - specializing in Digital Media and Music Composition. Moving from the independent arena Rockbadger now brings his talents and skills to you to help you get the most for your marketing, promotional and event needs.